This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing was held on July 24, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the _______________, compensable injury extends to include a left testicle injury in addition to an inguinal hernia. The appellant (carrier) appealed on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The file does not contain a response from the respondent (claimant).
DECISION
Affirmed.
Extent of injury is a factual determination for the hearing officer to resolve. There was conflicting medical evidence presented to the hearing officer. The hearing officer, as finder of fact, is the sole judge of the relevance and materiality of the evidence, as well as of the weight and credibility that is to be given to the evidence. Section 410.165(a). The hearing officer was persuaded by the claimant’s testimony to determine that the _______________, compensable injury extends to include a left testicle injury in addition to an inguinal hernia. The Appeals Panel will not disturb the challenged factual findings of a hearing officer unless they are so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986); In re King’s Estate, 150 Tex. 662, 244 S.W.2d 660 (1951). We have reviewed the matters complained of on appeal and conclude that the hearing officer’s decision is supported by sufficient evidence.
We affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is TEXAS PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE GUARANTY ASSOCIATION for Reliance National Indemnity Company, an impaired carrier and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
MARVIN KELLY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
T.P.C.I.G.A.
9120 BURNET ROAD
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78758.
Veronica L. Ruberto – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge
Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge